AFTERCARE

1.Wash your hands thoroughly prior to touching your tattoo or removing the bandage. Carefully remove the dressing and black bandage. The dressing can be removed after 2-4 hours or the next morning following your tattoo (do not leave on longer than overnight). Please do not cover or re-bandage your tattoo after removing.

If preferred, I will use a second skin bandage (clear bandage/derm). I will only use this bandage upon request for clients who have healed with second skin before. Your tattoo may accumulate fluid beneath the bandage that you will be able to see. This will be brown in color and there is nothing wrong with your tattoo so don't worry! Do not release the fluid or tamper with the bandage. Do not leave this bandage on for longer than 24 hours. It can be removed the next morning following your tattoo.

***With use of second skin bandage/derm, some clients with adhesive sensitives can have a reaction to the bandage. This will appear as redness around the bandage and can, in some cases, cause blistering if the sensitivity is more severe. If you skin feels irritated from the bandage please remove it immediately and notify me of the reaction so I can make sure to not use it on you in the future.

To remove the second skin bandage, I recommend taking it off under running water —in a steamy shower is best—and stretch it like a 3m command strip to help release the seal (it will sting a little to remove but your tattoo is perfectly okay underneath). When stretching the bandage, keep it parallel to your skin and hold the area with your other hand to avoid it pulling your skin.

2. Wash the tattoo with a mild unscented liquid soap and warm water (we like Dial original or Dr. Bronners -baby version in a blue bottle). . Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and allow to dry fully for the rest of the day. I prefer you let your tattoo dry for at least a day before applying any moisturizer.

3. Apply a small amount of plain fragrance free lotion or Hustle Butter. Hustle Butter is sold at our shop. Rub it in completely to your tattoo and do not leave any excess. Just enough should be used so that the skin is soft, not shiny. Do this 1-2 times a day (as needed only if your tattoo is dry) for 4 weeks after your tattoo. If you have any coconut or mango allergies, you can use any fragrance free lotion to care for your tattoo.

I prefer the “less is more” approach to healing tattoos. You only need to moisturize for comfort. It is okay for your tattoo to be a little dry.

4. Continue using moisturizer for the course of a month after receiving your tattoo. You will likely need to moisturize your tattoo fewer times as it continues to heal. A dry flaky layer of skin will form on the tattoo. Let the skin slough off naturally. Small flecks of color will come off during this process : this is normal and is not the ink coming out of your tattoo. Do not pick or scratch at the tattoo. Doing so could seriously affect the look of your tattoo when healed and could create scarring. Apply moisturizer only as needed when your tattoo feels itchy, dry or tight. 

5. Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo until it has healed completely. It hurts(!) and may damage your tattoo as it heals. Whenever in the sun your tattoo must be covered by your clothing. You CANNOT use sunscreen until your tattoo is mostly healed (generally 2-4 weeks) After your tattoo has fully healed, be aware of the sun’s effects on it. Excessive exposure to the sun will fade and damage a tattoos appearance. The American Association of Dermatology recommends that a broad spectrum waterproof sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 applied every 2 hours.

6. No hot tubs, saunas, pools, or lakes until the tattoo is completely healed. It is necessary to shower and clean the tattoo regularly, but it should NOT be soaked in water for long periods of time. Doing soon can prematurely remove a scab and negatively affect the look of your healed tattoo.

7. Failure to follow the care directions properly can extend the healing time, cause infection, or prevent your tattoo from looking its best. Infection is rare, but to reduce your risk: wear loose and clean clothing, change your sheets regularly(particularly if you have pets,) only touch your tattoo with clean hands, do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo. Some warmth, redness, and irritation is normal. If you suspect infection be sure to consult a health professional at the first sign.

8. PLEASE call or email with any questions!

Shopping List:

Plain fragrance free lotion OR Hustle Butter

Mild unscented liquid soap (Dial, Dr. Bronners)